the Jess Journals

Tough Enough

Jess (Jess | the Jess Journals) — Fri, 15 Nov 2013 17:04:00 +0000

Jacket: Zara | Tee: Club Monaco | Skirt: Topshop | Shoes: Converse | Lips: Stila 'Beso'

There are so many things I love about this outfit! The leather, the quilting, the army jacket + the rhinestone studs, and the Converse. Not to mention throwing a red lip in (I felt a little like a geisha after I literally painted my lips on, but it's such a pretty red), and it's the perfect combination of tough, casual, and girly.

PS. Re-did my blog header and design to make it a little more chic - what do you think? :)

Thanks to Courtney for the pics!

Pleated

Jess (Jess | the Jess Journals) — Tue, 12 Nov 2013 14:00:00 +0000

The weather has been gorgeous lately and I had to take advantage by going bare-legged while I still can. Bare-legged in November = yes please. So glad I moved!

Photos thanks to my cousin Jason

Pumpkins

Jess (Jess | the Jess Journals) — Wed, 23 Oct 2013 13:00:00 +0000

Jacket: Zara (last year, but similar) | Tee: Zoe Karssan (Bat tee) | Skirt: Club Monaco | Boots: Steve Madden (similar)

My sister planned a trip to go apple picking this past Saturday, but I only really got excited when I heard there'd be pumpkins, only because I love pumpkin pie. Sadly, there was no pumpkin pie, though I did sample a pumpkin cheesecake and had a really delicious cinnamon sugar cider donut along with a cup of hot apple cider. Yum! It was a perfect fall day!

The other disappointment was that there were no apples left to pick on the trees - I didn't even realize that that could happen! So we just had lunch, took photos with pumpkins, and walked around the orchard.

On a completely different note, I can't believe I have just one week left in NYC! I finally started packing today and am hating it. (Have I ever mentioned how much I hate moving?) So far all I've packed up are my bookshelves and my desk, but that counts, right? :)

Photos by Lauren

News

Jess (Jess | the Jess Journals) — Wed, 16 Oct 2013 13:07:00 +0000

Obviously I'm aware that my blog has been very very silent lately...the truth is, it's hard to keep blogging when there are bigger things in my life happening.

(Not sure who this photo belongs to, but found it on Pinterest and it linked to here.)

The latest: I'm moving to San Francisco! I am beyond excited to be back on the best coast, and will be moving at the end of this month. (Literally on Halloween.) New York has been an adventure, but I think it's time for me to say au revoir and move on to a new chapter in my life. Being in California for my grandma's 90th birthday at the end of September reminded me of all the family I have in the Bay, and and of how much I've missed everyone. Plus, every time I go back I always wonder why I don't live there! I'm also just ready for a lifestyle change - I need a slower pace and more relaxed lifestyle, but I still want enough culture and things going on to keep me occupied. I haven't lived in San Francisco since I left when I was 7, and I can't wait to be back in familiar yet unfamiliar surroundings.

The night I bought my one way ticket, I literally couldn't sleep because I was so excited (and of course started a mental list of everything I have to do before I move...ack)!

In the meantime, I've been thinking about what direction I'd like to take the blog in, and I'm excited to begin again as soon as I've gotten my job (and thereafter, living arrangements) worked out. Once I'm settled in I'll be back to blogging regularly, but I do hope to post every once in a while as I move! (BTW, any tips on moving from one coast to the other are welcome! As are job leads... :) )

Until then, I'm still active on Instagram (@jessicashia), so be sure to follow me there.

On to the next!

Red White & Black

Jess (Jess | the Jess Journals) — Tue, 17 Sep 2013 13:00:00 +0000

I already said that these shorts were going to be my latest obsession! This time I wanted to create a really classic outfit - keep it black & white and add a few pops of color.

Photos by Lauren

Stripes on Stripes

Jess (Jess | the Jess Journals) — Tue, 17 Sep 2013 13:00:00 +0000

I can clearly never get enough stripes, or navy blue! I love this ombre striped top from J. Crew because of the subtle ombre plus the fact that it's made of very soft terry material, and knew I wanted to pair it with more blue stripes on bottom!

Also, I'm currently in Asia (it's still so HOT here!!) and am specifically off to Bali tomorrow - follow along with me on Instagram!

Photos by Lauren

Style 101: What to Wear at the Airport/For Travel

Jess (Jess | the Jess Journals) — Thu, 12 Sep 2013 11:53:00 +0000

I'm off to Hong Kong today! I normally go either over Thanksgiving or Christmas, but this year is different because a really good friend of mine is getting married in Bali. (I've never been to Bali, so I have another reason besides the wedding to be excited about it!) At the end of the month I'm also off to California for a big family reunion to celebrate my grandmother's 90th birthday, so I'll be traveling quite a bit during throughout the rest of September.

With three trips in my immediate future, I thought I'd leave with a Style 101 post on what to wear for traveling/at the airport. What to wear in these situations can be a little tricky especially if you're flying from one climate to another, and it also sometimes varies according to whether you're traveling on a long-haul flight (like NYC to HK - 16 hours!!) or a shorter flight. Here are my tips for what to wear to stay comfortable, go through security conveniently, and still look pulled together.

Footwear:
Having to untie and retie shoelaces when going through security is pretty annoying, so opt for flats or flip flops for ultimate convenience. In cooler weather, ankle booties with a zip (like these) or smoking slippers (like these) for a little more coverage are ideal. For long haul flights, keep a pair of socks in your carry on just in case your feet get cold, and you're set! // French Sole Certain flats, J. Crew Wordy trouser socks
Bottoms:
Unless I'm on a really short flight, I prefer not to wear jeans on the airplane. Luckily, right now "nicer" sweatpants are all the rage, which makes it easier to stay comfortable while still looking like you wore them on purpose and not like you just grabbed the first pair of pants in your drawer. // Zara Velour Trousers, Current/Elliott Vintage Sweatpants
Maxi dresses:
For warmer trips, I like to wear maxi dresses (and flip flops) as they're easy to throw on and go. I'll probably wear one for my Hong Kong to Bali flight! // Whistles Maxi Dress
Tops:
The main thing for me while traveling is I don't want my chest to get cold, so I'm all about crew neck or boat neck tees. Simple, neutral colors keep things chic and comfy at the same time. // Stylemint Classic Crew
Outerwear:
On short flights keep a cardigan with you in case the plane is slightly chilly. For long haul flights, a zip-up hoodie is convenient to layer with and you can add either a lighter jacket or parka on top to layer up if it's cool in the city you're departing from/arriving in. (In the winter, have a winter coat on over everything and just throw it in the overhead compartment during the flight.) // J. Crew Merino Tippi Cardigan, American Apparel Polka Dot Hoodie, Topshop Hooded Parka
Scarves:
Scarves are practically a must on long haul flights! Pick a colorful one to brighten up your outfit, or even a large one (like those by Theodora & Callum) so you can use it as shawl if necessary. // Theodora & Callum Berber Scarf

For more airport style inspiration, check out this slideshow put together by Popsugar.

What are your traveling outfit go-to's?

See you on the other side!

Prep in my Step

Jess (Jess | the Jess Journals) — Wed, 11 Sep 2013 12:58:00 +0000

One of my favorite things about fall is the whole "back-to-school" feeling, even though I'm sadly no longer in school. This time of year always brings to mine one of my favorite quotes from You've Got Mail: "Don't you love New York in the fall? It makes me wanna buy school supplies. I would send you a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils if I knew your name and address." Mmmm!

Now on to the outfit - this outfit epitomizes the preppy side of my classic style: an oxford, tweed, leopard print, pearls - check, check, check and check! All I needed to add are glasses, a few books in the crook of my elbow, a topknot in my hair and I'm ready for class! (Well, ok, and maybe swap out my purse for a more practical tote like this one to carry said books in.)

What do you love about fall?

Photos by Lauren

Transition

Jess (Jess | the Jess Journals) — Tue, 10 Sep 2013 15:24:00 +0000

Top: e.vil (similar) | Shorts: Zara | Shoes: Zara | Bag: Chanel

Who can believe it's September? Where has this year gone??

I haven't been shopping much at all lately, but when Crystal was here visiting this past weekend, I took Crys to Zara's flagship and saw these shorts and simply couldn't resist them! They are ridiculously comfortable, super soft, come with pockets (always a selling point for me!), and are the perfect transition piece as we head into fall. Expect to see these a lot on the blog!

Photos by Crystal Marie Photography

North Fork

Jess (Jess | the Jess Journals) — Thu, 29 Aug 2013 14:28:00 +0000

My aunt and uncle took myself, Lauren, and her bf to the North Fork on Saturday for lunch and wine tasting, and it was a beautiful, perfect day! We had such good food and visited three wineries, my favorite of which is Sparkling Pointe, where these photos were taken. They specialize in sparking wines and I'd never done a wine tasting just on sparkling wines before. I think the most interesting wine was the sparking red - Carnaval Rouge - and that's the one our group purchased two bottles of. Yum!

Anyway, about the outfit: this is an example of what happens when I shop my closet! I had no idea what to wear and then remembered this skirt, which I've worn like once since I bought it maybe two years ago. I never particularly liked the waistband of it (ruched elastic), and then a lightbulb went off and I remembered this belt from Madewell that I've also had for a few years. Perfect!

I'm particularly partial to navy these days - it's just such a gorgeous color and the perfect transition to fall, so I paired my navy tank with the gray to make the outfit slightly more interesting than just black or white and gray.

Photos by Lauren

Mall Rat

Jess (Jess | the Jess Journals) — Tue, 27 Aug 2013 12:13:00 +0000

Peplum top: J. Crew | Shorts: J. Crew | Clutch: H&M | Shoes: J. Crew (now at J. Crew Factory) | Necklace: Chanel

Sometimes there's no shame in dressing almost head-to-toe in the same brand/designer...like with this outfit, where everything except my clutch and necklace are from J. Crew! And, tempting as it was to pair this pair of shorts with its matching top (such a huge trend this summer!) I opted to go more classic with an ivory peplum top. I love this top, because the material is stiff enough to hold its shape, which is so essential in a peplum! It's so sad seeing drooping peplums made out of some really soft cotton/jersey material - when I wear something with a deliberate shape to it, I want it to retain its shape!

Anyway, these are the last of the photos taken by Crys, sadly! Luckily she's coming to visit me in a couple weeks (her first time visiting since I moved here 5 years ago!!) and I can't wait!

Photos by Crystal Marie Photography

Birthday

Jess (Jess | the Jess Journals) — Tue, 20 Aug 2013 13:00:00 +0000

Cousins!

Candid shot - think I'm pouring some sangria for people just arriving while Chats (Mike, Lauren's boyfriend) looks on in the back and Ruby is watching me. haha

Me laughing while everyone's singing happy birthday to me!

Dress: Foley & Corinna | Necklace: My Monogram Necklace (c/o)

Although today is my "actual" birthday, I celebrated on Saturday with almost all my NYC nearest and dearest! We kicked off the night with sangria on the roof (which I made - spent about an hour chopping fruit! Who knew nectarines were so hard to slice? haha), then dinner at Zutto and a bar after that.

This year I am feeling especially grateful for my friends and the little bit of family I have in NYC - getting older really isn't so bad when you realize what awesome people you have in your life, and some of these people I only met this year, or became good friends with this year. All I know is, I'm grateful for each and every one of them. Thank you everyone who came to celebrate with me! I'm a lucky girl. :)

xoxo

Flirty Floral

Jess (Jess | the Jess Journals) — Thu, 15 Aug 2013 12:55:00 +0000

Top: Ted Baker | Jeans: Joe's Jeans | Clutch: H&M | Shoes: Topshop | Necklace: Chanel

I'd never really thought florals could be sexy until I spotted this pair of pumps...on Topshop's Instagram! I immediately fell in love and ordered them. The purple is almost neon in real life, but the floral just looks grown up, a little sexy, and beautiful, which are not words I'd normally use to describe a floral print. Needless to say, I am a tad obsessed with these shoes!

I also love this particular top - the material is silky and although we didn't photograph the back, it's got a rose gold zipper from top to bottom, straight down the middle. I love the pairing of rose gold with the pale pink neckline, and the shape of it in the front! Simple but so pretty.

In the end, it's all in the details, isn't it?

Photos by Crystal Marie Photography

At the Races

Jess (Jess | the Jess Journals) — Tue, 13 Aug 2013 13:00:00 +0000

Dress: Alice & Olivia | Shoes: J. Crew | Bag: Louis Vuitton

America's Best Racing reached out to me a little while ago, inviting me to a day at the Saratoga Springs race track. I hadn't been to the horse races in years, and never in the US, so I thought it'd be a fun day out - and I was right! Despite the fact that Saratoga Springs is a 4 hour train ride from NYC, the weather was beautiful on Saturday and I really couldn't have asked for a more perfect day! We got to check out the paddock (hence the sticker on my dress in a couple pics), bet on a few races (won a tiny bit of money - just for fun!), and enjoyed the weather. Saratoga is also celebrating 150 years this year, so it was a great time to be there for the first time!

The grounds were almost like picnic grounds - there were tons of people out, and it looked more like they were picnicking and hanging out than really there for the races. If I ever lived in Saratoga, I'd probably do the same thing every weekend because the atmosphere is fun and it's a great way to relax and be social. I think Saratoga would be a great weekend getaway as well - far enough from NYC to make it really feel like a getaway, and with plenty to do - I wish I'd had an opportunity to check out the town as well. Maybe next time!

Thanks to America's Best Racing for such a fun day!

Now on to the dress - I got this dress a while ago but didn't wear it much until recently - I love the cutout back and the leather waist, and of course purple is my favorite color! I couldn't resist pairing it with some leopard print (of course). The dress will be great in the fall/cooler months too, with some tights and boots.

All photos by Lauren

Love Love

Jess (Jess | the Jess Journals) — Thu, 01 Aug 2013 13:08:00 +0000

Top: Topshop (on sale!) | Jeans: Joe's Jeans (on sale!) | Shoes: Zara

Sometimes all you need is a little love. (And a pop of color!)

I got the top on sale a little while ago but it was way too hot to wear until just yesterday - I love how the hem is slightly shorter in front than in back, and the material is super soft. I can't wait to wear it more in the fall with skater skirts, tights, and boots!

PS. Kind of obsessed with my matte white nails - I think it's such a pretty way to wear a white mani!

Photos by Lauren

Feeling Feline

Jess (Jess | the Jess Journals) — Tue, 30 Jul 2013 13:00:00 +0000

Blouse: Zara (old, similar) | Shorts: Forever 21 (similar) | Shoes: J. Crew | Bag: Chanel

I'm clearly having a leopard moment, but that's mostly because I finally sewed back on the two buttons that fell off this particular blouse, and since then I've been loving this blouse all over again! I couldn't resist pairing it with my favorite pair of loose, comfy shorts that are perfect for a hot summer, and dressed up the outfit with some heels and a classic bag.

Photos by Lauren

Zen

Jess (Jess | the Jess Journals) — Thu, 25 Jul 2013 13:00:00 +0000

Top: American Apparel | Skirt: Zara (in stores now) | Bag & Necklace: Chanel | Shoes: Zara | Bracelet: J. Crew Factory

I've really been loving cropped tops lately, especially paired with something ladylike and high-waisted, like this pencil skirt. The top is cropped just enough to show a tiny sliver of my midsection without being too scandalous! And, ok, I wouldn't wear this combination to something like a work event, but I'd definitely wear it to drinks or a date if I was in the mood to be demure and classy but slightly provocative. In that case, this outfit is perfection.

Photos by Crystal Marie Photography

Protect Thy Hair

Jess (Jess | the Jess Journals) — Wed, 24 Jul 2013 14:11:00 +0000

I'm relatively inexperienced when it comes to getting my hair colored - in that aside from switching to sulfate-free, color safe shampoo and conditioner and adding a hair oil (mine smells like coconut!) to my hair routine, I didn't quite realize that hair color fades in the sun.

The realization came when after 3 hot, sunny days in Seattle, my hair was about 5 shades lighter than when I left New York! Luckily I quite like the color for now, but I definitely don't want it to get any blonder than it already is. So as a result, I did a little research on sunscreens for hair to select one for my mane.

From left to right:

Aveda Sun Care Protection Hair Veil - this is the one I ended up with, only because I knew I definitely wanted one in spray form and one that was just for UV protection and not a multi-tasking product. Plus, it smells good!
Kiehl's Color Protect Shine-Infusing Hair Oil Treatment
Fekkai Summer Hair Cooling Shine Mist
B. the Product Sun Out Protective Spray
Tela Sun Protection for Hair and Scalp
Bumble & Bumble Colorminded Protect & Finish

I tend to spray it on right before I leave the apartment as the final step, after I've already styled and/or treated my hair. So far, it's working! (Of course, a hat always helps too...)

What extra steps do you take to protect your hair in the summer?

Coming Up Roses

Jess (Jess | the Jess Journals) — Tue, 23 Jul 2013 13:00:00 +0000

Dress: Parker | Clutch: H&M | Shoes: J. Crew (now at J. Crew Factory) | Pave link bracelet: J. Crew Factory

There are several reasons why I love this dress:
1. It's made of silk, which means it's a definite must for summer.
2. The print! It's so fun and playful.
3. The ruffle along the hem of the skirt and up the bodice - that's a grown up ruffle if I've ever seen one!
4. The hi-low hem, combined with the ruffle, makes me feel like I need to break out into a flamenco or something. (Although obviously flamenco dresses don't really look like this.) The movement on this dress is beautiful!

5. It doesn't wrinkle that easily. Which, if you're traveling at all (this is the perfect dress for, say, a destination wedding) is crucial!

Paired with some nude shoes so that the attention stays on the dress, and curly hair to complement the ruffle completes the outfit!

On a different note, how gorgeous are the colors in these photos? Obviously they were taken by my very talented BFF Crys! We were at the Bellevue Botanical Gardens - a gorgeous setting for photos!

Photos by Crystal Marie Photography

Happy Friday

Jess (Jess | the Jess Journals) — Fri, 19 Jul 2013 13:04:00 +0000

Image via by Iris Anam Cara

Happy Friday!

It's been the hottest week so far this year in NYC and it's actually pretty disgusting. If you don't live here, be glad! Even wearing my lightest clothes and putting my hair in a topknot doesn't seem to help at all. Save me! I truly wish I were going to be the girl in the photo above and just be submerged in cool water all weekend...sadly, all I have access to is a rooftop this weekend!

Anyway this weekend I'm sadly saying goodbye to some friends who are moving back to California. The three of us all moved to New York on the exact same day, and I can't believe they're leaving now! I'll also be going to a friend's new apartment and making brunch, yum!

What are y'alls up to this weekend?

Invested

Jess (Jess | the Jess Journals) — Thu, 18 Jul 2013 13:00:00 +0000

Vest: Zara | Top: Tibi (last seen here and here) | Skort: Zara | Shoes: Zara | Bag: Chanel

I am so excited to have my first photos from the outfit pics I did with Crystal in Seattle! These particular photos were taken at the locks, in the gardens before the water.

I'm always finding ways to wear the same pieces in different ways, and I've clearly been loving my bunny cropped knit top from Tibi (aka "Lucy") so much that this is the third post with it! This time though, I opted to add a vest on top to bring a little more depth to the outfit - layers always make an outfit more interesting, don't they?

I snagged the vest at the crazy Zara sale that's going on right now, and absolutely love the material and the weight - although I have another green vest, the composition and style is completely different. It's lightweight, soft, loose, and relaxed, but with a tiny bit of edge - some leather patches on the shoulders (which I'll have to get photographed in detail another time!). I can easily see myself throwing it on over practically everything I wear, especially when the weather cools down!

Photos by Crystal Marie Photography

Style 101: Beat the Heat

Jess (Jess | the Jess Journals) — Wed, 17 Jul 2013 13:23:00 +0000

If you're like me and trapped in a hot, sweltering summer where it's too hot to even really want to wear clothes, you need these 10 hot weather essentials to stay as cool as possible!

Lace bralettes:
It may be a little TMI, but in this weather, who really wants to wear a bra? These lace bralettes are the perfect solution (assuming you're on the small side), plus they come in so many different colors, it's fun to let a little peek out on the side or top of a tank top! // Honeydew Emma Bralette
Cotton tank tops:
It's simply too hot to walk around outside wearing t-shirts, but it's not like you can walk around topless or in a bikini all the time. The solution? A light, airy cotton tank. This particular one from Old Navy comes in a million colors and won't stick to your skin (the worst feeling!). I also love the Everlane Ryan tanks, but they're relaunching next month (I can't wait!). Sign up for Everlane here. // Old Navy Keyhole Bubble Tank
A silk sundress:
Sundresses are the best in the summer - throw one on and you're out the door. In this case though, you want to pay attention to the material. Silk is the best for a light, breathable material and won't leave you as sticky as polyester will. (Plus, not to be gross, but silk dries super fast if you're sweating!) // Madewell Silk Cami Dress
Silky shorts:
Even just wearing a pair of denim shorts these days feels suffocating - air out with a pair of silky (or silk-like) bottoms. I'd wear them with a light, relaxed, airy tee or a cotton tank, with the just the front tucked in. // Forever21 Retro Print Dolphin Shorts
Sandals:
As much as I love my Havaianas, my feet get tired from walking around a lot in them. Sandals are the best to keep your feet strapped in without any extra effort, and are definitely less casual than flip flops. (Perfect for a weekend brunch date, for example!) // Madewell Sonny Sandal
Sunglasses:
This is pretty much a given, but I'm loving my Ray-Bans so much this year - they're so classic and I know I'll be wearing them for years to come. // Ray-Ban Folding Square Wayfarer
A panama hat:
Panama hats are so classic! I haven't for a second regretted purchasing mine last summer, and it's gotten tons of use. Plus it helps for extra UV protection, and the extra shade will also prevent you from squinting (even with sunglasses on), which means fewer wrinkles in the long run. // J. Crew Panama Hat
Cotton jersey mini skirt:
The best one I've found so far is the James Perse one, and I wear it all. the. time. It's good because it doesn't ride up the way some other stretchy mini skirts would. This is perfect to wear casually with flats or sandals, or dressed up for a night out! // James Perse Knit Mini
Silk tank tops:
I am so grateful for the silk tanks that I have - it's about the only type of top I can wear at the moment, and it's the perfect item to wear to still look dressy without overheating (as much as possible!) Wear it with the cotton jersey mini to stay cool while dressing up! // Madewell Silk Slip Cami
A small crossbody bag:
Who really wants to be lugging around a huge bag through this heat? Not me, that's who. I've resorted to using all my smaller cross body bags and clutches, but if I had to pick one, I'd choose a cross body, as it'll keep me hands-free! // Rebecca Minkoff Mini Mac

What are you wearing lately to keep cool?

Maxi Moment

Jess (Jess | the Jess Journals) — Tue, 16 Jul 2013 13:00:00 +0000

Dress: Helmut Lang | Shoes: Zara

Keeping it simple in this crazy heatwave we're getting here in NYC - this is one of my favorite dresses, and partly why I love Helmut Lang so much - the draping and the way the fabric moves is just beautiful, but still really comfortable. Who says comfort can't come in style?

Photos by Lauren

Seattle Recap Part 2

Jess (Jess | the Jess Journals) — Fri, 12 Jul 2013 13:00:00 +0000

(Clockwise from top left)

1. Dinner at Skillet - it was so good! We had the Habanero Chicken Wings, Kale Caesar Salad, Chicken Liver Pate (two portions because it was THAT good - and the pate was caramelized on top, like a creme brulee), and chicken and waffles. SO GOOD. Go, if you're ever in the area!

2. This pic induced many bouts of laughter thanks to the rainbow flag behind us - mostly jokes about how Crystal was my wife first! (She used to always cook for me in college, and when I practically moved into her dorm room with her, she even made me a little cubby for all the toiletries I ended up accumulating in her room, lol)

3. We rode the ferry to Whidbey Island! It was both Cub's and my first ferry ride!

4. More mint chocolate chip ice cream, this time from Molly Moon, and technically the flavor is "Scout Mint" because it's got Thin Mints crushed up in peppermint ice cream. I swear I was never a big fan of mint chocolate chip, but this summer it's all I want!

1. On the ferry, although you can't really tell. (Hung was too busy chasing after the lil terror beast to help us snap a pic. haha)

2. On the hike down to the beach! Cub's holding a giant leaf I found on the trail and gave to him. It's huge!

3. Waiting in line at the Great Wheel!

4. Cub playing with water. He is a little water baby - easily entertained for hours on end just with some water!

1. The Great Wheel - those gondola things were seriously hot. So hot that Crys and I were only half joking when we talked about pushing the emergency button and/or jumping out. I don't really recommend doing this unless it's cooler! haha Luckily we all laughed so much that the ride was over and we managed not to kill ourselves from the heat.

2. Ivar's Fish Bar - Fish & Chips and Fried Oyster and Clam Chowder in a sourdough bread bowl. Ivar's is tradition now everytime I visit, and it's always so good!

3. One of my favorite photos from the trip!

4. I love this little hunka Chunk so much! Miss the little fella every day.

What are you all up to this weekend?? Stay cool!

Spots and Stripes

Jess (Jess | the Jess Journals) — Thu, 11 Jul 2013 13:00:00 +0000

Chambray: Forever 21 (similar) | Bikini top: Topshop (sold as a set) | Skirt: Topshop (last seen here and here) | Sandals: Nine West (similar)

This is the perfect summer outfit for a rooftop party - I love using chambrays as cover ups, but (in my opinion) my bikini top was too cute to completely cover up! Plus I love all the mixing of the blues and whites and the patterns - polka dots and stripes! A couple layered necklaces and the outfit's complete. Easy, breezy, and totally summery.

Photos by Lauren